Interiors Little Black Book: Sandrine Zhang Ferron
Ferm Living
If I could only buy homeware from one place, it would be Vinterior. I’m not just saying that – I love buying pre-owned pieces; they add so much character to a space. For me, it’s all about good looking, good quality pieces that are also good for the planet. That’s the real magic of vintage.
The most interesting interiors shop is Mustapha Blaoui in Marrakech. There is something unique on every floor and it’s so easy to get lost. It feels other worldly – it’s concealed behind a big wooden door with no sign and Mustapha is so knowledgeable.
The coolest interiors shop I’ve found on my travels are the vintage shops in Palm Springs and the lifestyle shops in the Daikanyama neighbourhood in Tokyo.
One of my favourite markets is the flea market in Consell, Mallorca. I found some vintage demijohn bottles there the last time I visited for an absolute bargain. I tend to explore markets before I visit department stores – the excitement of finding a great piece at a good price is so special.
The coolest independent interiors brand is Joseph Berry. It has a brilliant collection of pieces, from mid-century modern furniture to art deco treasures to ornate mirrors.
The best destination for independent designers and makers is Kempton market – for the thrill of the hunt! If you want a unique vintage piece that nobody else will have, this is where you’ll find it, although you need to get there early to get the best deals. I also like Goodhood and Twentytwentyone for new homewares.
The coolest under-the-radar brand is Hughet Mallorca, an architectural design firm that creates the most amazing tiles and terrazo items.
My perfect shopping day would include an early morning trip to Marché aux Puces in Paris followed by a leisurely breakfast.
My favourite vintage piece is my yellow Poul Volther chair.
The best sustainable paint brand is Edward Bulmer and his eco paints; they are brilliant.
Twenty Twenty One
For something really special I go bespoke. We had our travertine dining table made to order and it’s the centrepiece of our dining room. We get so many compliments on it, which is a good thing since it weighs 500kg, so it will probably be there forever.
The best interiors gift I’ve ever given someone was a large Italian vintage ceramic leopard sculpture from the 1950s. It was my nine-year wedding anniversary gift for my husband, which is traditionally celebrated with ceramic gifts in France.
The best interiors gift I’ve ever received was a painting from a Chilean artist that I saw in Valparaiso.
The most recent item I bought for my home was a vintage scalloped lamp shade for my daughter’s bedroom.
The most expensive investment I’ve made in my home was a full renovation of our kitchen, dining room and garden. We spend so much time there as a family and it was well worth the money. It was stressful when we had to move out for the building works and move back one week before my due date though!
For tableware, I like the ceramics from Terra Ceramica Mallorca. It’s a family business that started in 1861 and their nature-inspired handmade products are the result of careful craftmanship and stylish designs.
Huguet
For bedlinen, I like Piglet in Bed. They do great breathable linen in beautiful colours. I recently bought some pieces from their sage green collection.
For glassware I go to Zalto for high-quality wine glasses (which are also dishwasher safe), and Bodum for coffee and teapots.
For art I always like to look at Panter & Hall – which is a seller on Vinterior, but they also have a beautiful store on Pall Mall if you want to visit in person.
For soft furnishings I like Ferm Living. Its designs are beautiful, the products are built to last and the brand has a real commitment to responsible production.
For furniture, Chase and Sorensen, Modernistiks, Beton Brut and Scene By Chloe are some of my favourites.
For lighting I love Agapanthus Interiors. They specialise in restoring antique and vintage chandeliers and pendants which date from the late 1800s all the through to mid-century.
The item I regret not buying is a vintage Ultrafragola mirror by Ettore Sottsass – it’s the wish list item I still dream about. Generally, though, I try to be quite decisive – particularly when it comes to pre-owned, as I know I only have one chance to own it.
Next on my shopping list is a vintage record cabinet for my husband’s record player and vinyl collection – but I’m still searching for the perfect match. Currently, the records are all in piles on the floor!
Visit Vinterior.co
Scene By Chloe
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